Simone Weil (1909-1943) was among the most original Christian thinkers of the 20th century. Born in Paris, she became a teacher of philosophy and underwent an intense mystical experience in 1938. This title is one of a series that aims to provide details of biography on a range of subjects.
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Philosopher Simone Weil wrote on a wide range of topics including theology and politics, and influenced figures such as T.S. Eliot, Pope John XXII, Pope Paul VI, Camus, and Trotsky. Her life and thought, particularly her understanding of God, are introduced in this volume by Methodist minister Plant. He writes in an accessible manner that will engage general readers as well as undergraduate level students.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Simone Weil for the uninitiated,
This review is from: Great Christian Thinkers Simone Weil (Paperback)
Stephen Plant states up front that this slim paperback is part of a "series to introduce some of the most important Christian thinkers to as wide an audience as possible." I found this to be a concise, well organized account of Simone Weil's life and works. Plant divides his book onto 5 sections starting with Weil's life and makes the point repeatedly that Weil's biography and her "mystical" Christianity are inextricably interwoven. This is followed by a chapter on Weil's understanding of God. Plant eases the reader into Weil's works with memorable quotes from "Waiting on God" and careful explanation of their contexts. He gives evidence for consideration of Weil as a modern "saint outside the church" not because of her beliefs but because of her "attention" to God. Plant conveys nuances as well as meaning in translating the actual French of Weil's writing into English. The book's middle chapter "Loving God in a World Full of Pain" gives an excellent explanation of Weil's concepts of "gravity" and "necessity" as well as her interpretation of human "affliction" versus physical suffering. The fourth chapter gives an overview of Simone Weil's Marxism. Lines from Weil's "The Need for Roots" and her lectures in philosophy are used here, although the author assumes the reader has only a nodding familiarity with Plato. This is certainly in accord with the stated introductory nature of this series, Fount Christian Thinkers. The concluding section makes Stephen Plant's brief but convincing argument that while Simone Weil's works do not fit into any orthodox category, her writings are worth the reader's effort. This reader, for one, was definitely ushered into Simone's presence by this book. For this tremendously enriching experience, I thank Stephen Plant.
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